Malton jewellery shop robbery - help needed to trace suspects

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about a jewellery shop robbery in Malton.

The incident occurred at G Stones on Market Street between 3.15pm and 3.25pm on Monday 4 March 2013.

Two women entered the shop and hit a female member of staff with a wooden shelf, causing her to fall down.

They then made off on foot towards the Market Place with various items of jewellery.

These included two string pearl necklaces, a gold locket on a gold chain, a ruby and diamond pendant on a gold chain, an antique diamond gold pendant on a gold chain, and a white and gold pendant on a gold chain.

The member of staff, who has been left shocked and frightened by ordeal, was attended to by paramedics. She suffered a minor head injury and a bruised shoulder but not require hospital treatment.

Extensive police searches have been carried out in the Malton area to locate the suspects. The incident has been circulated to other police forces and travel operators to assist the investigation.

As well as enquiries at nearby homes and businesses and crime scene investigation at the jewellery shop itself, officers are analysing CCTV in the area to help identify the suspects.

Members of the public are also urged to come forward with any information that could help the police.

The two women are described as being of Eastern European appearance, possibly Romanian.

One was wearing a striped t-shirt, believed to be dark blue and cream, and jeans.

The other was wearing a light coloured cardigan over a cream t-shirt.

Both women had large hooped earrings.

Temporary Police Sergeant Craig Malia, from the Ryedale Safer Neighbourhood Team, said "This is a very worrying incident which has caused a great deal of upset for the victim. Thankfully she wasn't seriously harmed but it could have been so much worse.

"To help us track down the two women involved in the robbery, we are urging people to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation

"We need to know about possible sighting of the women, particularly in other shops and businesses in the area. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant you think it is, please pass the information to the police as soon as possible.

"The local community can be assured that we are determined to catch the suspects and bring them to justice."

T/Sgt Malia said police patrols have been stepped up in the area to provide reassurance to residents and businesses while the investigation continues.